Basketball

Freshman Avery Howell is leaving Southern California and entering the transfer portal, along with two other Trojans guards. Howell announced her decision on her Instagram account. The 6-foot guard from Boise, Idaho, averaged 7.

It’s playoff-positioning time in the NBA. Going into Thursday, there are 89 games left in the season.

Memphis Grizzlies (44-32, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Miami Heat (35-41, ninth in the Eastern Conference) Miami; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Grizzlies -4.5; over/under is 227.

Sacramento Kings (36-40, 10th in the Western Conference) vs. Charlotte Hornets (19-57, 14th in the Eastern Conference) Charlotte, North Carolina; Friday, 7 p.m.

Dallas Mavericks (38-39, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (43-32, seventh in the Western Conference) Inglewood, California; Friday, 10:30 p.m.

Cleveland Cavaliers (61-15, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (32-44, 13th in the Western Conference) San Antonio; Friday, 8 p.m.

Phoenix Suns (35-41, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (56-20, second in the Eastern Conference) Boston; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix comes into the matchup against Boston after losing four games in a row.

Orlando Magic (37-40, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. Washington Wizards (17-59, 15th in the Eastern Conference) Washington; Thursday, 7 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Magic -13.5; over/under is 216.

Utah Jazz (16-61, 15th in the Western Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (45-31, fourth in the Eastern Conference) Indianapolis; Friday, 7 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Utah will try to end its 18-game road losing streak when the Jazz play Indiana.

Oklahoma City Thunder (64-12, first in the Western Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (50-27, second in the Western Conference) Houston; Friday, 8 p.m.